Rev. Thomas Ross Williams

Rev. Thomas Ross Williams, 93, of Olathe, KS, passed away surrounded by family and friends on June 23, 2026. Born October 24, 1932, in St Louis, MO, to Virgil and Natalie “Nano” Williams, he was the eldest brother of James and Robert. He was a beloved family man, pastor, and community member.

In 1950, he graduated from Normandy High School in Normandy, MO. He attended John Brown University in Siloam Springs, AR, where he met his future wife, Marlene Graves. They were both members of the JBU chorus, and he often remarked that he first fell for her voice. They married in 1955.

He attended Dubuque Theological Seminary in Dubuque, IA, and had his first pastoral appointment in Bardolph, Illinois. While beginning his career and attending classes, Tom and Marlene welcomed their first son, Thomas, in 1956. Two years later, while Tom was serving in Cedar Rapids, IA, they welcomed their second son, Theodore. He doted on his sons and loved taking them on trips to Ghost Ranch in New Mexico.

Tom continued to serve the pastorate of the Presbyterian Church (USA) in the following cities: Long Beach, California; St. Joseph, MO; and in Kansas City, KS, where he was the lead pastor of Maple Hill Presbyterian Church followed by his final home pastorate of fourteen years at Grandview Park Presbyterian Church. He concluded his career as an interim pastor in Bella Vista, AK; Liberty, MO; and Hays, KS; among others, retiring in 1996.

As an important part of his ministry, he dazzled congregations and school assemblies with his chalk talks—performances where he illustrated biblical scenes and accompanied them with song and narration.

Tom and Marlene lived in Merriam, KS, for many years where he loved to swim at the rec center, bike (finishing the MS 150 three times), play tennis, golf, garden, and follow Royals baseball.

He was devoted to his eight grandchildren, always lending them his ear and gathering them in his generous spirit. He created scrapbooks for their birthdays and graduations and cheered them on at countless school activities.

As he aged, he never lost the ability to befriend those around him, from new family members to occupational therapists and Dairy Queen clerks.

In recent years, he loved playing with his fifteen great-grandchildren and caring for his wife. He always led a rich and creative life of reading, writing, illustration, and conversation.

Tom is preceded in death by his parents, brothers Jim and Bob, and his son, Tom. He is survived by his wife, Marlene; his son, Ted (BJ); daughter-in-law Melynnie; grandchildren Nathan (Emily), Chelsea (Jarren) Thomas, Abby, Caitlyn (John), Jane (Kyle) Davis, Peter (Madelyn), Chandler (Yordano) Ochoa, and Cally (Matthew) Wilkinson; and fifteen great-grandchildren.

Tom’s memorial service will be held at Grandview Park Presbyterian Church, 1613 Wilson Blvd, Kansas City, KS on Saturday, August 8, at 11:30 with lunch and fellowship to follow.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the ALS Association at als.org.